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Working as a Journalist

Journalists, also known as reporters / correspondents / news analysts inform the public about news events at the international, national and local levels. They will generally work for newspapers, magazines, websites, television and radio that report on world events ranging from banking & finance and politics, to health trends and sports. 

Reporters, especially those who work in the print media, are usually self-employed or take freelance jobs from a variety of news organizations. Some reporter...

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WORKING IN ARTS & MEDIA

Working as a Journalist

Journalists, also known as reporters / correspondents / news analysts inform the public about news events at the international, national and local levels. They will generally work for newspapers, magazines, websites, television and radio that report on world events ranging from banking & finance and politics, to health trends and sports. 

Reporters, especially those who work in the print media, are usually self-employed or take freelance jobs from a variety of news organizations. Some reporters live in other countries from where their employer is based (foreign correspondents), and therefore freelance work is assigned to authors as needed. 

While most newspapers and magazines have both print and online versions, the content for each version is produced by a reporter. A journalist in print media writes articles for newspapers, magazines or online publications. This often requires keeping abreast of new developments in a story so that the online edition can be updated with the latest information.

Television stations often have websites, and broadcasters increasingly rely on multimedia journalists to publish content on a variety of platforms, including social media such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Similarly, reporters working for newspapers and magazines can create videos and podcasts that people can access online. Journalists can post blogs and articles on these websites and help manage the organization's web content. They can disseminate stories in radio and print media and host TV and radio programmes.

Multimedia journalists usually write, record, edit and record their own stories, but they also collect the audio, video and graphics files that accompany these stories.  Reporters and correspondents may need to maintain their presence on social networks, and many use social media to cover live events, provide readers and viewers with additional information, promote their channel's news programs, and better connect with their audiences.

Collaborators tend to be responsible for editing interviews and other recordings to create a coherent story, as well as voice overs that share facts and stories with the audience. Interviews can be recorded and broadcast live or prerecorded for future broadcasts.  Multiple versions of the same story can be used for different shows on different media platforms and multiple formats for different platforms.

Journalists working for small and urban organisations may have to cover a wide range of topics. Some report on local issues such as local politics, local economy and local events, as well as national events.  Some people with a background as reporters and correspondents work as teachers in high schools or teach journalism and communication at colleges and universities.

News analysts are a different kind of media profession and are often asked to give their opinion and report on a particular news story. They can appear on TV, radio or print and share their opinions with viewers, listeners and readers. Most news analysts, however, come from outside journalism, have a background in other media such as television or radio, television news or print, and have been hired on a contract basis to give them an opinion on a topic under discussion.

How to become a Journalist

Most employers prefer employees with a bachelor's degree in journalism or communications.   As content is increasingly delivered on television, websites, and mobile devices, reporters need to know how to create stories with video, audio, data, and graphics. Journalism students could benefit from courses in multimedia design and programming.   Journalism programs often require students to participate in a variety of multimedia projects, such as video and audio design, so that they are prepared to engage with stories on a wide range of topics. 

During their studies, many students seek multiple internships with different news organizations, and employers typically require employees to gain experience during an internship at the school's newspaper. Reporters and correspondents can move to a news organization in a larger city to gain more work experience. Internships allow students to work on stories and compile their best written examples.

Large markets offer job opportunities with higher pay, more responsibility and challenges.  Reporters and correspondents can also become editors and news directors, but strong writing skills are important for journalists in all kinds of media. Journalists must be able to report news both orally and in writing and should be prepared to use cutters and other equipment related to the programme.

In order to make contacts and conduct interviews, reporters need to build good relationships with many people.   When those involved refuse to be interviewed or commented on, it can be difficult to get the facts of a story out. Journalists should report the facts of the news without inserting their opinions or biases into the story.

The work of a journalist is often hectic and exhausting, and the reporter must be able to keep up with the extra hours of work. They have to go through history, not only for the sake of their colleagues, but also for their own safety.

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